MUNCHEN / Germany, 14 November 2025: Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF), working with Airbus, have developed a hyperspectral spectrometer capable of mapping soil and crop conditions from space as part of the European Space Agency’s “Rainbow” programme.
The compact spectrometer-on-chip system, designed for integration into small satellites, will be exhibited at the Space Tech Expo in Bremen from Nov. 18–20. Fraunhofer IOF said the technology enables the creation of digital field maps that farmers can use for targeted, resource-efficient agricultural practices.
The system offers spatial resolution below 20 metres across wavelengths of 400 to 1700 nanometres. Despite its reduced size, the organisation said the instrument maintains high image quality and is engineered for small-batch production.
“The concept allows us to combine all essential spectrometer functions on a single chip,” said project manager Lucas Zettlitzer. By using gradient filters in place of complex opto-mechanical parts, the instrument remains lightweight, compact and cost-effective.
The spectrometer is built around a Ritchey–Chrétien telescope with aspherical mirrors based on an optical design by Airbus. Fraunhofer IST manufactured the tailored gradient filters using EOSS® thin-film technology, enabling fine tuning of the spectral channels.
The design focuses on minimal alignment effort and compact construction, factors that the researchers say support cost-efficient manufacturing and deployment in future space missions. The team also highlighted sustainability: the metal-optical components fully burn up during atmospheric re-entry, avoiding long-term space debris.
By capturing narrow wavelength bands and analysing light reflected from soil and plants, the device can detect moisture levels, nutrient variations and early signs of crop stress—information conventional cameras cannot capture. The resulting hyperspectral data can be processed into detailed field maps for precision farming.
The project is funded through ESA’s InCubed+ programme and carried out in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space and Fraunhofer IST. Interested visitors can view the system at the Fraunhofer booth M22 at Space Tech Expo 2025.
